The Supreme Court of Kenya has organized for a three-day conference and exhibition to mark its 12th year anniversary, themed ‘reflecting and introspecting on the Supreme Court of Kenya’s jurisprudence’.
Speaking during the inaugural ceremony, Chief Justice and President of the Supreme Court of Kenya Martha Koome stated that as the judiciary celebrates the milestones it has achieved, the Supreme Court is committed towards promoting justice and the rule of law in reference to the Constitution of Kenya 2010.
She revealed that various institutions under the judiciary are the anchors of the country’s democratic aspirations.
“Our future lies in building strong and robust institutions that would serve as a catalyst for national development,” said Koome.
The CJ mentioned that the Supreme Court has played a role in shaping Kenya’s jurisprudence and shaping the country’s social and political development while enforcing the core principles of democracy.
“Through hearing and determining four presidential election petitions over the last three election cycles, the court has set critical benchmarks for conducting free, fair and transparent directions,” she highlighted.
The CJ noted that the decisions of the court have garnered respect and citation not only in the region but also in Europe.
“This recognition in the global community underscores the court’s maturity into a respected institution whose well-reasoned judgement contributes to the evolving discourse on justice worldwide,” she stated.
Koome announced that the Supreme Court has developed guiding frameworks that clarify interactions between the National Assembly and the Senate in reinforcing devolution as a cornerstone for a transformative constitution.
She emphasized that there is need for continued support through inter-institutional collaborations for them to execute their mandate effectively noting that upholding the rule of law and protecting constitutional rights is a collective responsibility among state agencies.
In his remarks, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi noted that since the inception of the Supreme Court, it has been the final decision maker on the issues of justice.
“The matters discussed today from the traditions of apex courts to the balance of judicial independence and accountability are central not only to your mandate but to the very core of our democratic system,” he said.
The CS mentioned that the government is committed to working as a unified body to serve the needs, interests and the aspirations of the judiciary.
“While the arms of the government are independent, we serve the same citizens and country and as such we are all interdependent,” said Mudavadi.’
He called upon all civil servants to serve as role models of integrity and openness, by ensuring that their actions reflect the true spirit of democracy and contribute to the nation’s growth and prosperity.
By Manu Mumba
